A Protestant pastor, Alexis Padrón Lorenzo, aged 58, who leads the Communion in Faith Church in the Havana suburb of Regla, was released on September 11 following more than three months of isolated detention. This information comes from the human rights organization Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).
His arrest occurred on June 10 at the intersection of Camilo Cienfuegos and 24 de Febrero streets in Regla during a neighborhood protest sparked by prolonged blackouts and food shortages. The pastor explained that he left his home that day in a state of distress: "The children were hungry, and the food had spoiled," he told Martí Noticias. Upon encountering the protest and hearing explanations from local leaders, he began shouting slogans and confronted an official who turned out to be the head of the local Department of Criminal Investigations.
"I started shouting 'Down with the dictatorship.' I told them that Christ sacrificed himself for the world, but they wanted to sacrifice Cuba for their own benefit," the pastor stated.
Two days after the event, authorities summoned him to the Regla police station, charging him with disrespecting a public figure and causing public disorder. He was then transferred to the El Vivac detention center in Havana, and by June 27, he was moved to Valle Grande prison, where he remained until his release.
Harsh Detention Conditions
During his imprisonment, Padrón Lorenzo, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, faced extreme conditions. He described the situation as dire: spoiled food, water outages lasting up to four consecutive days, and restricted family visits limited to one every 21 days. Phone calls were only possible when electricity was available.
"I couldn't eat; I lost a tremendous amount of weight because I couldn't eat that food," he lamented. The separation from his family was "especially painful" and caused him significant suffering.
Charges and Legal Battle
The pastor's words were not intended to target any individual specifically: "What I shouted did not mention any names and was not directed at anyone in particular, but rather at a government structure," he clarified.
His release was made possible through the efforts of his defense lawyer, who is also a Christian, according to Padrón Lorenzo. However, the charges remain, and he must report to the police every Friday and Sunday while awaiting trial. The lawyer advised him to "keep a low profile" in hopes of reducing the precautionary measure to a fine.
Context of Nationwide Protests
This incident is part of a wave of protests that shook Cuba in June 2026, triggered by blackouts that left nearly 70% of the country without electricity simultaneously. In Regla, there were reports of pot-banging protests on June 20, amid a surge that observers estimate involved between 107 and 253 demonstrations across the nation that month.
Religious repression is not an isolated issue. In 2026, the State Security has detained or summoned several pastors in various provinces, and the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has listed Cuba among countries with severe and systematic religious freedom violations in its 2026 annual report.
Anna Lee Stangl, CSW's Head of Advocacy and Americas Manager, acknowledged the pastor's release but was firm in her stance: "CSW welcomes Pastor Alexis Padrón Lorenzo's release, although he should never have been detained, and the conditions imposed afterward are unjust and unnecessary. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right, and no one should be detained or imprisoned for peacefully voicing their community's concerns. Therefore, we demand the pastor's full and immediate acquittal."
Frequently Asked Questions on Cuban Protests and Religious Freedom
What led to Pastor Alexis Padrón Lorenzo's arrest in Cuba?
Pastor Alexis Padrón Lorenzo was arrested during a neighborhood protest against prolonged blackouts and food shortages. He was charged with disrespecting a public figure and causing public disorder after shouting slogans against the government.
How did the conditions of detention affect Pastor Padrón Lorenzo?
Pastor Padrón Lorenzo, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, faced harsh conditions, including spoiled food, prolonged water outages, and restricted family visits, leading to significant distress and weight loss.
What does CSW say about Pastor Padrón Lorenzo's detention?
CSW, a human rights organization, condemned the detention as unjust and unnecessary. They advocate for the pastor's full and immediate acquittal, emphasizing the fundamental right to freedom of expression.